Rider, 21, in death crash

A motorcyclist from Hednesford died after suffering what is believed to have been a heart attack while riding near Stafford.

The machine being ridden by Alex Thomas, aged 21, had collided with three other vehicles on the A34.

Mr Thomas, of Sandpiper Close, is thought to have died from a heart attack after his machine, apparently out of control, collided with the other vehicles between Brocton and Weeping Cross yesterday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Staffordshire Ambulance Service spokesman Bob Lee said two land ambulances and a senior paramedic response vehicle went to the scene of the accident.

He said that Mr Thomas was unconsciousness and was not breathing when they arrived.

An off-duty doctor who was passing by also went to the assistance of Mr Thomas, who was taken to the Staffordshire General Hospital, Stafford, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The accident happened shortly before 4.45pm and the road remained closed for several hours as a police accident investgation team examined the scene, near the entrance to Brocton Park Farm.

Mr Thomas had been riding his Suzuki motorbike toward Cannock when the smash happened. One of the vehicles he collided with was a van.

Police are trying to trace the driver of a red Citroen AX, possibly L-registered, who may have witnessed the accident.

Traffic tailed several miles into Stafford itself and other roads were affected as commuters tried to find alternative ways home.

Anyone with any information should telephone Pc Julian Baskeyfield at Staffordshire Police on 08453 302010.

By Shaun Lintern and Tony Raba